A Harvard staple. What is not to love? They have pretty decent food for cheap at ungodly hours (8am-4am) and is always there when you need a quick Mexican fix. Fast service, but just a little unclean at the actual tables themselves if dining in. I always get the 3 al pastor tacos, insanely good and addicting with spice and pineapple in there. Partner got a burrito. I always used to come here as a student, and so I may be biased. Is it the best Mexican food ever? No, far from it. But it's a great alternative that will always be there for you when you need it. Only gripe is that sometimes the food is messy (in a good way) and that they don't usually have limes, but were able to part with a lot of limes this time around (don't count on it though, very unusual they have limes). Even had a hot sauce wall so partner could try a bunch of different hot sauces with burrito. read more

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Oh, how I wish there was an El Jefe's near my home in New Hampshire! Fortunately, the husband and I are in the Cambridge, MA area often enough to enjoy multiple El Jefe's locations. And I love that they're open late for post-concert munchies. Everything is made to order and the ingredients are always fresh and delicious. As someone with food allergies, I really appreciate being able to simply avoid food allergens when ordering. The staff is always friendly and fast. The only downside is that the tables are a little high if you're using a wheelchair. One or two lower tables would be amazing for that purpose. The main area where one orders is completely handicapped accessible. There's additional seating in the back, but there's stairs to get to the area. read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Veggie taco with vegan "chicken" - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Decent tacos. A little on the bland side, but they have a great hot sauce selection. Service was excellent. Ambiance is more of a casual environment. read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - 3 TACO SET - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

El Jefe's Taqueria in Harvard Square is great for a quick, casual bite. I would say if you like Chipotle, you will probably like this. I prefer this over Chipotle because it definitely has more authentic flavors. They're open pretty late, which I appreciate! Great option for late night & they're quick too! This location is open the latest out of the others, until 4am daily. Prices for bowls and burritos are reasonable, think the most I've ever paid for, for a bowl was ~$15? roughly for extra protein. Usually the bowls are $11.45, burritos $11.25, and tacos are $11.25/3 or $4.25/each. I love getting a bowl with carne asada/steak or carnitas, pickles onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, green salsa, sour cream, cilantro lime rice, fajitas, queso, and corn! I love that they don't charge extra for guacamole, sour cream, or queso ;) LOTS of seating available here also! read more

Grab and go spot that is open late...literally until 4am. It's right in Harvard Sq so this place is usually filled with students and sometimes hard to find seating. I ordered their quesadilla which I liked. The cheese isn't my favorite but it's good, idk how to explain it. Prices are reasonable and they have a cool hot sauce wall with any and possibly every you could want. read more

I'm sure a handful of people can agree with me. Somedays this place is great other days they will play right in your face and act like nothing happened. I walked in here on a Saturday for lunch coming to class and I ordered a bowl everything seemed great until I started ordering the meat part. I understand that for extra it costs but 12 dollars extra is crazy. My bowl came up to 25 dollars. The guy behind the counter said something in Spanish and my order went from 12.24 to 25 dollars. I paid because I didn't have anywhere else to go and It wasn't busy enough that I could get in and get out. But I'll never order from here again. The staff picks and chooses who they want to be nice to, the guy who was preparing my food seemed like he had an attitude. I'm not sure what that was about but never again. Like other reviews I will be going to Felipe's. This is beyond ridiculous. So just to update this review if you get extra meat. DO NOT LET THEM CHARGE YOU FOR ANOTHER BOWL. THATS WHAT THEY WILL DO and look at you like your stupid read more

Really awesome customer service and the food is amazing and ingredients are of the highest quality!

El Jefe's Taqueria is a casual Mexican place in Harvard Square which can be described as an upscale chipotle. The menu has classic Mexican dish options and is made to order. The line moves pretty quick and there's great soft drink options as well. The prices were reasonable for the quantity and quality of the food. There's seating both on the first and second floor that's conducive for groups of 2-4. The chicken fajita bowl was average and was good with the mexican street corn and hot sauce mixed in. It came with chicken, brown rice, black beans, cheese, lettuce, and a mango salsa. The mexican street corn was pretty disappointing though - there was no seasoning and not enough cheese. I'd recommend this place to someone in the Harvard Area looking for a quick and affordable meal. read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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The fat dude with the black t shirt buzz cut and backwards cap at the checkout and pick up spot is so rude and unprofessional. He isn't welcoming or friendly, makes my girls feel awkward with his creepy gaze, and always has an attitude with everyone..... read more

Really good steak burrito all ingredients are super fresh and steak was very flavorful! read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Steak burrito with yellow rice pinto beans shredded cheese and sour cream - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I was early in the morning. I think they are open until 4 in the morning for all you night owls. They looked like they were in clean-up mode.The tables were clean and the staff was friendly. The one disadvantage is there is limited parking in front on the street. Everyone walks along the counter making selections. First it is type of burrito or salad, then protein; chicken or beef and rice or beans and finally additions like corn, hot peppers etc. The number of choices of addition one are unlimited. The burrito was plenty filling for me and I have a large appetite. I would recommend this place for anyone at Harvard Square. read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Selection bar - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Bowls are great tacos are great great value good prices good drinks good food DJ burritos are good and the tacos

Great food. Great service! I come here often with friends or family, because the flavors never disappoint.

Was visiting Harvard and stopped by since it's close by. Lots of fatty pieces in the carne asada and not that good unfortunately

DISCLAIMER: I was so hungry that I forgot to snap a picture of my food before eating it, so I apologize for the lack of pictures following this review. I simply love El Jefe, their food it's absolutely delicious. The location I went to today was the one right in the center of Harvard Square. This spot is very easy to access as its right next to the red line "Harvard" T stop. As soon as you enter the door you are greeted by a lovely atmosphere, my server was very kind and helpful and had a bright smile on her face (really wish I asked her name). Today I decided to order a burrito to go. It is just like chipotle where you get to choose your choice of rice (Mexican rice or white cilantro rice), your protein and your various toppings( like corn, plantains, cheese, lettuce, different salsas, beans and many more). I would say that they have a very good selection and unlike chipotle here they offer pescatarian options such as shrimps and fried tilapia. They also don't up-charge for guacamole and queso which is great. The lady that was making my burrito wrapped it perfectly despite me putting a lot of things inside. Their prices are very reasonable, my shrimp burrito cost approximately 12$ after tax, which I considered relatively cheap giving the amount of food I was given. My order was for takeout but the restaurant offers plenty seating and the sitting area was clean and well kept. Overall I had a green experience at El Jefe, the food tasted great and the ingredients were very flavorful. I can't wait to be back and try more of the items they offer on the menu. I highly recommend! read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Outside - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Tried El Jefe's for the first time with two of my friends on a Saturday night for a quick dinner before a Harvard hockey game. It was really good!! For a similar price compared to chipotle, this food felt like it had more character and flavor. The service was quick to order down the line and the restaurant was relatively clean for a busy Saturday night. One other thing I noticed for those who enjoy their hot sauces like myself, they had a million different choices. Every time I get food there I'll be trying different hot sauces to get the full effect! read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Bowl with a bunch of items!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

The food is pretty standard. No extra charge for guacamole! My friends went at late night and the line wasn't long and moved quickly. There is a decent amount of seating but it can get crowded. They have a wall with a selection of sauces! read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Mexican Bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Cheap and delicious. Great place to grab a quick lunch. Nice seating area available and line moves fast

Standard Mexican food. Would recommend the burrito bowl. A bit more pricey than Chipotle for kind of the same quality. Open late so that's good. read more

Great tacos and nachos. Love the music in this restaurant. Tasty breakfast burritos in the area of Harvard with nice okay staff

FIVE/FIVE STARS!!!! If El Jefe's were a college course, I'd major in it. These tacos? LIFE-CHANGING. Imagine a burrito the size of a small child, filled with flavors so good you'll rethink every other taco you've ever had. The steak is tender, the guac is mystical, and the staff are the heroes who make sure you get fed. The vibe? A full-on fiesta. Every bite is a party, every taco is a masterpiece, and if you're anywhere near Harvard Square without stopping here, you're seriously missing out. read more

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? These nachos will restore your will to live read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Chicken SUPER Nachos ( Meat Choice Toppings of your choice) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I love this place. it's so good amazing service and the best place for a good late night eat.

The website says the huevos rancheros eggs are in "any style" - but there is no option to enter the style. We used to eat there monthly, but took off a year - and this still remains a problem. Trying to order over the phone is nearly impossible. read more

Good food good ambiance good workers very nice clean and fresh ingredients thank you to and you good

A solid and reliable spot in Harvard Square open until 4am. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. The tacos are soft and warm, filled with tender meat and tangy cheese. The burritos are hefty and hearty, wrapped in a flour tortilla and smothered with salsa. The salads are crisp and colorful, tossed with corn, tomatoes and avocado. I liken it to a late-night Chipotle with more sauces and a heavier feel. Not quite authentic, but it fills a niche. read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - a hand holding a plate of food - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Amazing food and great service, would recommend to anyone.. I will come here again. Great food

The ambiance is amazing. I had their bowl . It was sooo good! The flavors were amazing and the spicy sauce was actually super spicy which I LOVED because I love spice. The employees are also super nice. read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Halfway through demolishing my bowl! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Great food and music! very good food always satisfied. sublime food and vibessssssssssssss

Great spot 5 stars good food and and bowls with good condiments 10/10 recommendations

Love this place. My daughter had her first burrito here. Service was great. The ambiance was brilliant.

Food: I got thier mexican bowl, which they had many options to make this customable. The portions was okay, I think for $20 it's price rather on the higher end. I got the carne asada which I think they add way too much pepper seasoning but meat was tender. I also got the Al paster and that was also tender, much better seasonsed with a hint of sweetness. However, you can add however many toppings with no charge it seems like so that's a plus. Service: It's rather quick with providing the similar set up to any chipotle, or mexican bowl maker food assortment. Very easy to see the options and pick on what you like, and they tend to keep the stations clean. Ambiance: There's two floors so there's plenty to sit and they have a huge wall of hot sauces that you can pick from. It feels like your local mexican spot stopping by as a college student. Location accommodation: It's right in harvard sq and so parking can be hard to find on the side. Also, it closes much later like at 3am so it's nice to hit the spot if you're looking for food after a night out. read more

El Jefe's Taqueria - Mexican Bowl (o) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Staff is nasty and stingy with portions. Felipes is a far better establishment. Literally go anywhere else for quality service.

A friend and I were looking for food late at night, about 12:30am, but I didn't want to settle for Chinese again. My friend suggested this place and I'm so glad he did! My friend ordered the Shrimp Fajita bowl and loved it. It was big enough for 2 servings and full of flavor. I ordered a fajita vegetable quesadilla with black beans. I loved it! It looked a little skimpy, but the taste of the zucchini, onions, beans, and other vegetables was perfect! I was excited to find a vegetarian options although not vegan, it was delicious! He did order an orange mango Nantucket Nectar which was replaced with a Kiwi Strawberry Snapple, and a water, I imagine, to make up for the inconvenience. They included plastic ware and a couple napkins without asking, which is a plus. The only negative thing was that I asked for pico, sour cream and guacamole but they forgot the guac. The total was $31 for delivery but ended up paying $43 with a 15% tip. TLDR; Great late night, fast delivery, delicious food, recommended! read more

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Hands down the best Mexican food in the area. I drive past 10 taco shops to come here. They've got a bottle of hot sauce in their logo and know how to bring the heat. Spicy ground beef has a ton of flavor and a tolerable heat level. The house hot sauce and wall of hot sauce can add any amount of heat you'd like. Forget Chipotle, Anna's, Qdoba, or Taco Bell. These are the best tacos around read more

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BAD queso. Bad. Burrito bowl was so so. Probably would not return unless I was desperate.

Amazing food and service! The place is very clean and provides a unique experience. Would highly recommend!

Great food and staff is very polite We ordered taco it was amazing Please go here because of 3 thing 1. Its cheap 2.Staff is perfect 3. Food is great read more

Food is great! The queso is off the chain--absolutely delicious and packed with flavor!

Apart from the fact that their portions got smaller, and they increased their prices on their food. Customer service is clearly out the window. Most of these people don't even have a smile on their face. The environment does not seem friendly at all. A food chain with little to no interaction maybe due to language barriers . The place lacks enthusiasm and I feel like they've lost their touch or their way. The food lacks taste the establishment lacks taste and the establishment lacks class.I've been going to them for a long time and I refuse to ever step a foot into that establishment again. read more